Cops: Kentucky State QB charged with groping hotel housekeeper

Martez James

Kentucky State University senior quarterback Martez James (#7).

Kentucky State University senior quarterback Martez James (#7).

Rosemary R. SobolTribune reporter

A Kentucky State University quarterback in town for the 2012 Chicago Football Classic was arrested Saturday after police said he followed a housekeeper into a room at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel and rubbed his body against hers.

James, a 22-year-old senior from Detroit, allegedly made inappropriate contact with the female victim at the hotel at 2301 S. King Dr. about 10 a.m Saturday, according to Chicago Police Department News Affairs Officer Daniel O’Brien.

James was charged with misdemeanor battery and issued a personal recognizance bond before being released from custody, O'Brien said. He is scheduled for a court appearance Nov. 15 at Belmont and Western avenues.

James was staying at the hotel while in town for the football game in which the Kentucky State Thorobreds lost 17-14 to Albany State University. The game began at 4 p.m. Saturday, according to the team's website.

The annual game showcases two top historic black colleges and universities. Their schools' football teams and marching bands are the focal point of weekend activities in Chicago, according to the classic's website.

Rita James, the starting quarterback's mother, told the Tribune that her son was not allowed by team officials to play in the game.

When reached Monday evening, she denied that her son had engaged in any inappropriate behavior. She did not make her son available for comment.

"What I want to say is that it did not happen and she is lying," she said of her son's accuser. "I’m very upset with the young lady who would lie on my son...I'm angry."

She said she doesn't understand how her son could be arrested when the hotel told the police there were no cameras that captured the incident.

"I will fight this with every penny I have, I will put my life on it that she's lying – that's how confident I am," she said. "his really, really doesn't make sense."

She said her son went to get a towel, then got ice from an ice machine and went back to his hotel room.

"Come on, a quarterback isn't thinking of anything but his game," she said.

According to a preliminary police report, James passed the housekeeper in a 6th floor hallway and asked her for "five minutes of her time." She ignored him and entered a room which she began cleaning, leaving the door open.

James came to that room and asked her for towels from a cart in the hallway and then left with them, according to the report.

According to the report, James then entered the room where she was working and again asked for "five minutes of her time," before allegedly pressing the front part of his body to the back of hers, the report said.

James left and the woman notified hotel staff and police.

The report said Head Coach Wayne Dickens and an athletic director were aware of the charge, but they could not be reached for comment Monday night.

James is scheduled to graduate this year, according to the school website.

Kentucky State released the following statement via email Tuesday:

"The university is aware of allegations made against Mr. Martez James and is currently investigating the matter. We have no further comments at this time as the investigation is pending. Mr. James remains a member of Kentucky State University's football team."